Trauma is the response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, causes feelings of helplessness, diminishes their sense of self and their ability to feel a full range of emotions and experiences.
It does not discriminate and it is pervasive throughout the world. A World Mental Health survey conducted by the World Health Organization found that at least a third of the more than 125,000 people surveyed in 26 different countries had experienced trauma. That number rose to 70% when the group was limited to people experiencing core disorders as defined by the DSM-IV (the classification found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition). But those numbers are just for instances that have been reported; the actual number is probably much, much higher.
While there are no objective criteria to evaluate which events will cause post-trauma symptoms, circumstances typically involve the loss of control, betrayal, abuse of power, helplessness, pain, confusion and/or loss. The event need not rise to the level of war, natural disaster, nor personal assault to affect a person profoundly and alter their experiences. Traumatic situations that cause post-trauma symptoms vary quite dramatically from person to person. Indeed, it is very subjective and it is important to bear in mind that it is defined more by its response than its trigger.
COMMON RESPONSES AND SYMPTOMS OF TRAUMA
Response to a traumatic event varies significantly among people, but there are some basic, common symptoms.
Emotional signs include:
- sadness
- anger
- denial
- fear
- shame
These may lead to:
- nightmares
- insomnia
- difficulty with relationships
- emotional outbursts
Common physical symptoms:
- nausea
- dizziness
- altered sleep patterns
- changes in appetite
- headaches
- gastrointestinal problems
Psychological disorders may include:
- PTSD
- depression
- anxiety
- dissociative disorders
- substance abuse problems
ACUTE STRESS DISORDER VS. POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
Not every traumatized person develops post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some people develop some symptoms like those listed above, but they go away after a few weeks. This is called acute stress disorder (ASD).
When the symptoms last more than a month and seriously affect the person’s ability to function, the person may be suffering from PTSD. Some people with PTSD don’t show symptoms for months after the event itself. And some people deal with PTSD symptoms of a traumatic experience for the rest of their life. Symptoms of PTSD can escalate to panic attacks, depression, suicidal thoughts and feelings, drug abuse, feelings of being isolated and not being able to complete daily tasks.
What Causes PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is caused by significant trauma in a person’s life that is left unresolved. While PTSD is commonly associated with members of the military, anyone who has experienced trauma in life can develop PTSD at any age. PTSD is classified as an anxiety disorder in which a person’s normal response to danger becomes distorted. After going through a traumatic event, the affected individual may be triggered and have a fight-or-flight response long after the event has passed.
Fight-or-flight responses are natural, but when they are triggered by daily events, the results can be debilitating and even dangerous. It is crucial to get help for PTSD symptoms that last longer than six to eight weeks. After eight weeks, the symptoms are likely permanent and will only worsen with time if they are allowed to continue without medical intervention. Like other mental disorders, PTSD responds well to treatment, and affected individuals can look forward to positive results once treatment begins.
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